International Relations News

The 2nd Seoul Foreign Student Volunteers Launched

The 2nd Seoul Foreign Student Volunteers, comprised of foreign students in universities in the Seoul area, will start its activities from February, in earnest.

The 2nd Seoul Foreign Student Volunteers are twenty eight foreign students from eighteen countries, such as the U.S., Brunei, Finland, Morocco, etc.

In order to carry out volunteer activities regularly and in a more systematic manner, a small number of students are newly selected every wave. Also, by forming an Organizing Committee, the selected volunteers will be encouraged to choose their own volunteer activities, which will raise their satisfaction and fulfillment levels as well.

The student volunteers will be teaching foreign languages and cultures to elementary students on islands, such as Baengnyeongdo Island and Imjado Island, through an online mentoring program for six months. True, it is expected to contribute to offering more educational opportunities to students in island areas while boosting an understanding of different cultures between Korean and foreign students.

The Seoul Foreign Student Volunteers will conduct volunteer activities once every quarter in collaboration with the Seoul City Volunteer Center and the Korea Telecom (KT) University Student IT Supporters, and set a new model of volunteer activity through cooperation between local residents and foreigners.

Furthermore, the student volunteers will be given an opportunity to visit several facilities operated by the Seoul Metropolitan Government to deepen their understanding of Seoul. The foreign student volunteers will take the Hangang River ferry to witness the ‘Miracle on the Hangang River’ first-hand, visit the Arisu water purification center, where the globally-recognized potable tap water of Seoul, Arisu, is made and supplied, and walk through Bukchon Hanok Village and experience traditional Korean culture through various activities. Such activities are anticipated to broaden the volunteers’ understanding both of Seoul and Korean culture.

KT will grant KRW 2.5 million per person — KRW 70 million in total — as a scholarship to all selected volunteers. Every year, a total of KRW 150 million will be given to sixty foreign student volunteers.